Driving in sand? (I’m dumb)

[Moto26]

Yup. Had 0 issues. The sand was very hard packed. Might as well have been driving on concrete . Drove on, took pics near the water then peaced out. Not all sandy beaches are the same.

Hell, they used to race motorcycles on Daytona Beach when motorcycle tires were 3” wide…

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[SubmarineNuke]

we used to drive various cars of all types on the beach in Daytona and never aired down once. It shouldn't be a big problem to be honest, just go slow and stay on the path. If everyone else makes it, you will too. Shouldn't even really need SAND mode, just leave it in 2H if this is a normal thing that lots of others do. You'll probably see an Outback, or an old 4 door sedan doing it. /shrug

 

[350vudu]

There are a lot of smaller “beaches” that have little drive able paths where you can park on sand and walk a few feet to the water. Really nothing intense at all, you just have to know which ones are really rutted out and need a truck to access. I lived there for a year and drove a bone stock FJ cruiser down there. A lot of buddies with less capable cars were able to drive to the beaches with no problem.

Yea there are quite a few of those in Galveston that get so much car traffic for that very purpose

 

[swooshdave]

The correct answer is that it depends on the condition of the sand. That is what you need to learn how to determine. That is what will keep you out of trouble.

Soft dry sand? Avoid if you can or if you do want to try it out make sure you have a plan on how to get out of it.

Harder sand? Not a problem.

How do you tell the difference? Get out and walk it. If it's difficult to walk on (soft and dry) then it will be difficult to drive on.

 

[BroncocnorB]

I say drive until you get stuck. Sand is hard to predict. If you get stuck air down 5-10 ilbs and dig out if it’s that bad. I don’t know that beach.

 

[Snacktime]

Pismo dunes are pretty soft sand with lots of ruts/dips things to make you slow down.

If you want to go more than 200ft from the beach you need to air down. If your not aired down and get stuck no one will help you. Grew up riding quads there, I quit going after my tent got ran over a second time.

 

[Ripcurl]

some traction boards might be a good idea too depending on the sand

 

[gwp]

….. It is really intimidating, and air pulps also look expensive.

Air pulps might be very hard to find.

 

[Sewie]

Pismo dunes are pretty soft sand with lots of ruts/dips things to make you slow down.

If you want to go more than 200ft from the beach you need to air down. If your not aired down and get stuck no one will help you. Grew up riding quads there, I quit going after my tent got ran over a second time.

This. If you are camping there, you will be in the soft sand (unless you want your Bronco drowned by high tide). Air down to 18-20. Bring a shovel and recovery rope/strap/shackles. If you can't get a compressor, you can still safely drive at that PSI to the nearest gas station.

 

[dan79]

just go be safe enjoy ur bronco

 

[JT58Bronc]

Air down, have a shovel, jack, tow strap and a 12 X 12 or so thick board. I used to ride the dunes at Cap Cod in Massachusetts when it was allowed in the late 70's and early 80's. It was a requirement to have that equipment. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences in my lifetime. I just aired down to about 12 PSI. Never got stuck once or had any issues. After riding the dunes I would find the closest gas station with an air compressor- at the portable air compressors were not readily available LOL.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Used to drive my '97 F150 on the beach all the time and never aired down. Open diffs front and rear. Just an ol truck. Broncos been on the beach a couple times too at 38 psi. Keep your momentum, don't stop in the soft spots and park downhill if you can.

Sure there's lots of things you can do to be more prepared but the single most important thing for driving in sand is a good driver mod.

 

[BroncocnorB]

I used to take my skinny- tired bronco II to NJ island beach. That is deep, sticky sand. Aired down to 18 and always powered through NP

 

[balynn1971]

Pressure gauge on dash is reasonably accurate. I'm usually down to 15-18 on most terrain. I'm a newbie and that was info I was told. Not difficult at all. Deflators are handy but plenty of other ways to get air out (honestly I turn the valve stem cap upside down and press on stem pin....does the job just fine). Look at it this way, you can not do it and get stuck or do it and have a lot more fun.

 

[ABorges]

I have a chance to camp on the beach the weekend. It’s called Oceano Dunes near Pismo in California. You can drive you vehicle right into the beach.

We have a 2021 Bronco Badlands 4-door. I’ve read that you should air down your tires to drive on sand. Is it necessary if I use the Sand mode? I am NOT good with mechanical stuff and would be afraid of damaging my tires or something else airing down then trying to inflate them again. Like pop them or go too low..I can’t exaggerate how mechanically disinclined I am. It is really intimidating, and air pulps also look expensive.

can I drive without airing down, or will I get stuck or cause other problems? It is a regular beach, and I will not go i to the dunes, just the beach front. Thank you for your advice.

If you're staying in the beach front you will be fine, you won't need to air down and you will probably be able to leave it in 2 wheel drive if you want.

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